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itchiness, vertigo or develop an infection. Symptoms will<br />
usually improve once the excess wax has been removed<br />
but for this you may need to see a specialist.<br />
Pressure in your ears<br />
Your sinuses and ears are closely connected so when<br />
you have sinus congestion, this can lead to pressure<br />
in your ears. Having clogged sinuses can lead to pain,<br />
dizziness, and a muffled sensation in your ears. Treating<br />
the congestion in your sinuses is the first step. Try using<br />
a nasal saline decongestant spray or hold a warm, moist<br />
muslin cloth to your face – this can help to ease the<br />
pressure and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids too, as<br />
staying hydrated can help to keep nasal mucus thin.<br />
Swimmer’s ear<br />
Despite the name, you don’t need to have been in the<br />
pool to get this! It has the medical name otitis externa<br />
and is an infection of the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear differs<br />
from common ear infections that can occur in young<br />
children after they have had a cold, such as middle-ear<br />
infections. The condition is usually caused by bacteria,<br />
although it can sometimes be brought on by a virus or<br />
fungus. Symptoms include itching in the ear, pain, and<br />
trouble hearing (sound may seem muffled as your ear<br />
canal swells). You might also experience fluid draining out<br />
of the ear. Prescription ear drops are the most common<br />
treatment for this condition.<br />
Hearing loss<br />
This is a common problem that often develops gradually<br />
with age, although it can also be caused by repeated<br />
exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss affects around<br />
12 million people in the UK. General signs of hearing<br />
loss include difficulty hearing other people clearly or<br />
misunderstanding what they say, asking people to repeat<br />
themselves or regularly watching TV with the volume<br />
turned up higher. There are a number of treatment<br />
options for hearing loss. What’s recommended will<br />
depend on the cause of your hearing problems.<br />
Who to ask for help?<br />
A sudden change to your hearing is likely to need an<br />
appointment with your GP. But if you have ongoing<br />
problems such as regular earwax build-up, or you have<br />
gradual age-related hearing loss, then it’s worth visiting<br />
a specialist.<br />
Prescot Chiropody Clinic<br />
Podiatry Practice<br />
Chiropody treatments include:<br />
• General Foot Maintenance<br />
• Corn & Callus Removal<br />
• Verrucae Treatment<br />
using SWIFT Microwave Therapy<br />
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under local anaesthesia<br />
• Diabetic & Rheumatoid footcare<br />
Ask<br />
about our<br />
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We also offer:<br />
• Biomechanical Assessment<br />
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• Gait analysis &<br />
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Rainford Clinic: 01744 884051<br />
Alpine House, 28 Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HE<br />
Sutton Clinic: 01744 814789<br />
77 Junction Lane, Sutton Village, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> WA9 3JN<br />
www.alpinepodiatry.co.uk<br />
New! Acupuncture Therapy now available (Rainford Only)